Mysticism: Call to promote Sufi message of love, equality

Conference sheds light on practices and intrinsic message.

ISLAMABAD:

To revive cultural awareness, Lok Virsa held a one-day conference on Sufism here on Wednesday.

Ministry of National Heritage and Integration Federal Secretary Faridullah Khan, the chief guest, said, “Sufi saints in the subcontinent have contributed significantly towards spreading peace and love to the masses.” He added that the concept of equality and brotherhood preached by them served as an attraction to people.

Though the timing of the event was considered by many in the audience to be too late for a weekday, mystic folk singer Sanam Marvi performance of Bulleh Shah’s poetry in her sultry voice captivated and enthralled the audience.

Marvi began singing at the age of seven with her first performance incidentally at Lok Virsa in 1999. Discussing her views on Sufism, she said that “just like a patient needs a doctor to get better and be healthy again, a human being needs art and poetry to purify one’s soul.”

The event’s effort to revive the message of love and peace that was so important to the Sufis is commendable.

However, it would have been more effective if such celebrations were more open to the public instead of selected invitations so that the people of the city could be entertained and perhaps in a way, educated.

Federal Minister Samina Ghurki also attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2011.